The UK reserves and approximately 100 regulars are set to be deployed to Sierra Leone to help fight the Ebola outbreak.
Regular and reserve personnel from across three services are currently undergoing final preparations prior to their deployment to Sierra Leone on 20 December.
The nine-day, mission-specific training, which intended to test and develop clinical and organisational procedures, was carried out at the Army Medical Services Training Centre at Strensall Barracks near York.
During training, personnel in protective equipment treated simulated casualties in a hangar converted into a mock-up field hospital.
The Canadian military and Danish healthcare workers also joined the UK military personnel.
UK Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois said: "Our armed forces have already played a leading role supporting the UK’s efforts to tackle Ebola and I welcome the deployment of reservist personnel to continue that crucial work.
"During my visit to Sierra Leone last month, I witnessed the impressive contribution the military has provided to the fight against Ebola thus far; by treating infected healthcare workers, providing protective equipment training at the Ebola Training Academy, assisting in the build of six treatment units and providing logistical support across our operations."
During deployment, personnel will take over from clinicians attached to 22 Field Hospital, who have been in the country since October, to manage the 12-bed facility reserved to treat healthcare workers with Ebola.
The UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) RFA Argus crew is also supporting military personnel in Sierra Leone.
Image: A soldier training Army reservists to aid the fight against Ebola. Photo: courtesy of Sergeant Si Longworth RLC / Crown copyright.
